An operation performed by a coroner after death to determine the cause of death. Often associated with criminal activity, though autopsies also take place for deaths of natural causes. Given exposure by shows such as CSI.

The coroner's office did an autopsy on the body and found out he overdosed on cocaine!

A medical procedure performed by a medical doctor known as a pathlogist/medical examiner. They may not always be a "coroner" and in most cases, a coroner is just an elected official. The procedure starts with a "Y" incision made on the chest of the deceased. The rib cage is then cracked, and removed and then the vital organs are removed, dissected, and studied. Also, the head is opened, the brain removed, and also dissected. When the autopsy is finished, the organs are usually placed in a bag, and put pack in the body. Sometimes, the organs are not returned. The main purpose of performing an autopsy is to determine the cause of death "COD", or to rule out malpractice, homicide, suicide, or negligence.

Being an embalmer might suck sometimes when you receive a body that is a post-autopsy case. You have to clean up the mess, and man does it stink. Literally.